By Michael Stets
The Lions will be without two defensive starters when they take on the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
MIddle linebacker Jarrad Davis suffered a concussion in the 24-10 victory over the New York Giants on Monday, and safety Tavon Wilson injured his shoulder during the game.
Both players were ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Falcons on Friday afternoon.
Tahir Whitehead, who moved to weakside linebacker after the Lions drafted Davis in the first round of this year’s draft, will move back to his old position for the game against Atlanta. Starting in place of Wilson will be last year’s fourth-round pick Miles Killebrew.
Defensive end Ziggy Ansah (knee) is questionable and was limited in practice this week.
On the offensive side of the ball, backup running back Dwayne Washington has been ruled out with a quad injury, center Travis Swanson is questionable with an ankle injury, and backup guard Joe Dahl is also questionable with an injury to his lower leg. Should Swanson not be able to play, left guard Graham Glasgow is expected to start at center with Dahl taking his spot at left guard.
The Falcons will be missing three starters in Sunday’s game: Linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. (hamstring), tackle Ryan Schraeder (concussion), and defensive end Courtney Upshaw (ankle/knee).